Why Ryan Shawcross isn’t right for England – by a Stoke fan

Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross isn’t ready to play for England and needs to concentrate on Stoke first (Picture: PA)

Rewind two years, and you would have heard me championing Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross to be called up to the England squad.

At the time, he – along with German Robert Huth – were one of the Premier League’s most formidable defensive partnerships.

Like any player (it seems) donning the red and white stripes, he had his doubters and his critics – especially after the unfortunate Aaron Ramsay incident.

Despite setbacks and disappointments, though, he came through the other side stronger physically and mentally. Now, under Mark Hughes, he has the chance to develop further and become a more complete player.

Looking at him in these first few games of Hughes’ reign, however, and one would be forgiven for thinking he was new to the Premier League – and maybe even to the English game.

Frequently he has been caught napping, a yard off the pace or a few yards out of position. It seems odd, if not unusual, that by trying to develop his attacking play the coaches have lost sight of his original role.

For once, I’m happy the England selectors forgot the Britannia Stadium was a Premier League ground

Oddly, it seems that the shift in focus has affected Ryan more than other players at the club.

Following on from the international break, there are countless fans up and down the country playing armchair manager – doubtless questioning who they would take to Brazil.

At the start of the season, I said this would be Ryan’s chance to make an impression in the England set-up and confirm his place on the plane to Rio.

For now, as much as I’d love him to represent my club in the England setup, I’m glad he isn’t doing so.

He needs to refocus on what’s important – for too many professionals, especially in England, the international stage is too much of a distraction, a sideshow.

Get the game right at club level, and it’ll set him apart as one of the club – and league’s – greats.

For once, I’m happy the England selectors forgot the Britannia Stadium was a Premier League ground.